When it comes to this season’s Chiefs, I have been the most optimistic person I know. Well, I’m over it. One of my preseason predictions was that I could see this team being as bad as 1-15 or as good as 11-5. When pressed for a specific, I went with 8-8. Not only was I wrong about that but I have also arrived at a place where I suspect that the low end of my forecasting may have been uberly optimistic. In fact, I question just about all of my prior assumptions about this team.
Sad to say, one thing it turns out I was correct about, with one possible exception, was the linebacker situation. In the face of prevailing opinion that our linebacker corps would be the strength of our defense, I said no, that it would be our biggest weakness on defense. Told you so. The aforementioned exception comes as a result my assumption that this would be the year that Derrick Johnson amounted to something.
Brodie, son, I am giving up on you this year and probably forever. There, I said it. I feel much better. Point is, if you’re going to be out until at least October 19th, number one, YOU ARE NOT DURABLE and number two, if you are not durable, your evaluation is over because YOU ARE NOT AVAILABLE. Even though I might someday have you as my #3, understand that you and I have broken up.
The remainder of this post has been paid for by the Campaign For Hope and Change and I approve this message.
I truly hope the Chiefs win more than 4 games this year (but don’t ask me how!) to avoid the shackles of the Top 5. If the remainder of this season can devoted to some purpose other than developing talent, it would be to work for the opportunity to trade down our #1 pick so that we can acquire even more talent via extra draft picks. That is all but impossible if you’re stuck in the top 5. I will consider this season a huge success if we somehow manage to land somewhere between pick 6 and pick 10 of the ‘09 Draft/
Is there anything that can be done to improve this team right now? Yes. First off, I would try to work a trade involving Kolby Smith for Dennis Dixon. You see, the concern about Dixon going into last year’s draft was not about his level of talent, but rather, whether and how soon he could recover from his injury. Long story short, he recovered and in case you haven’t noticed, the Ducks are a mere shadow of their former selves without him. Dixon is a proven difference maker and contrary to the popular expectations, he healed ahead of schedule and indeed is now the recipient of an NFL paycheck. Pittsburgh has him buried at #3. Dennis Dixon (Note the great initials he bears. Coincidence??? I think not!) is far and away better than any QB currently on our roster. Pull the trigger. Please.
I strongly suspect the Chiefs are in the midst of an organization-wide leadership crisis that starts at the front office and permeates all the way down to the playing field. Carl Peterson knows his contract will not be renewed and that he is little more than a caretaker for the stadium renovation process. In short, he is a lame duck and at this point probably does not really care to set any kind of meaningful expectations for Herm, the staff, or the team.
In response to this leadership vacuum, my campaign for Marty Schottenheimer as the Chiefs next GM begins today.
Enough time and personnel/management changes have transpired since he last worked for the Chiefs to now make it a realistic option. I still believe Herm is the way to go as HC and I believe a Marty and Herm reunion would be perfect and provide both continuity and the right kind of leadership. I also believe Marty would enjoy the challenge of finishing two projects that he started with the Chiefs. Namely, bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to KC and completing Herm’s education on how to make that happen.
During the offseason, the first order of business is housecleaning. CP’s main claim to fame, filling up Arrowhead every Sunday, no longer applies. And to that I say, as you live by ticket sales, so shall you die. It’s over Carl and please don’t make a mess when you leave. Next, can Prieffer and Curl. Prieffer, in spite of being given progressively higher levels of talent each year has managed to completely ruin the Chiefs’ special teams. If field position is king in the NFL, then Mike Prieffer has unequivocally laid claim to the title of Court Jester. And Dick Curl has done exactly what? End of that discussion.
Speaking of housecleaning, Gunther has taken up residence in my “tolerance box.” I have been a long time Gunther guy and still expect him to turn our D around. Expectations aside, I do question his level culpability for how bad our backers suck. He made LB position coach a personal mission this year and just what has that wrought? I believe the operative word for that is “embarrassment.” As alluded to in an earlier paragraph, the LB situation ain’t lookin’ so pretty right now and unless things turn around immediately if not sooner, a little accountability is in order.
As suggested in my opening remarks, I believe the remainder of this season’s focus needs to be about where we fall in next year’s draft. I think picks 6 through 10 are the ideal place to land because your chances of trading down for additional picks are optimal, you are more likely to avoid the whole cap-eating contract / hold-out scenario, and because our “need” positions can more than adequately be addressed in the middle to late range of the first round if we can trade down. Specifically, we need to come away with at least a quality OL and quality MLB out of first two rounds and I see no excuse for that not to happen. If we somehow manage to have more than 2 picks on day one, then we need to spend any extra picks on either QB, OLB, or WR. My choice for a QB pick right now is Hunter Cantwell who I have seen projected as a possible 3rd rounder. Sam Bradford is another good option but I suspect he may go in the first round.
The free agency process as well needs better attention this offseason than what we had to endure in the last go round. My watch/want list currently includes WR Roy Williams, WR Lee Evans, WR Jabar Gaffney, OG Chris Snee, OLB Karlos Dansby, OT Jordan Gross, ILB Bart Scott, MLB Johnathon Vilma, SLB Angelo Crowell, LB Channing Crowder, and SLB Tyjuan Hagler.
How about it Addicts? What changes, immediate and/or long term, would you like to see?
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Marty Schottenheimer for head coach, not GM. What about Charlie Casserly for GM? Ted Sunquist? I bet we go with Kulrich for GM? Any takers?
Jeremy of the Inland Empire,
Marty as GM makes more sense to me because it would mean he would wield the power he was denied under CP. I’m talking personnel decisions mainly. I also happen to believe that as GM his leadership & motivational skills would more than fill the current void.
Why not Marty as HC? Because in Marty you would not see much difference in philosophy over the way Herm approaches the game. Also, in my opinion, this is really Herm’s first year as coach of his team. I have to believe that Herm’s number 1 priority right now is finding a way to win. If we go 0-16, then we may need to consider brining in a new HC. Even then, it’s still a big maybe for me.
Btw, I’m not really a Cowher guy either. If Cowher hadn’t lucked out with Roethlisberger, he would still be without a ring imo.
What about Matt Millen as coach? I heard he’s now available.
CBaller13, now there’s a thought . . .
Honestly though, I wouldn’t mind Marty as GM. He’s smart and knows how to pick players. I’d be interested to see who he would choose as coach. I just despise Herm. I feel as though he is behind the bad play calling. All head coaches have the power to override OC decisions during the game and I honestly believe Herm is responsible for always running the ball up the gut and always running the expected play. Maybe I’m wrong but I think Chan Gailey is fine.
Also, I think we should spend all our money on Roy Williams. Him, DBowe and LJ would mean we have great skill players and that we can focus on OLine, DEs and MLBs in the draft. I think our secondary is good enough and will develop.
Good stuff Double D.
Thanks Zou.
AWESOME post DD! I think if Carl goes away, and maybe he should since he has been here too long, Marty is an excellent choice. Not sure his wife would let him come back after he got screwing around his last year as HC here. I agree that Herm deserves to see HIS team through. I honestly think he is a good teacher. He has had shitty luck with QB’s and I am not sure anyone can pin the lack of offense on him. Chan seems like he is calling the shots, which is what Herm wants. He is a defensive minded coach.
There is a huge difference between Marty Schottenheimer and Herm Edwards. Herm isn’t fit to bring Marty his morning coffee. Not only did Marty’s so called conservative offenses generate some offense during Marty’s years, but Marty knew how to coach as well. Herm does not. Herm wouldn’t know offense if it bit him on the ass. Marty also began playing Smarty Ball in San Diego which made the offense even more a part of the game. Comparing Marty and Herm is like comparing apples and assholes. Screw Herm and the donkey he rode in on!
Thanks Vrod,
Wasn’t going to exactly go there (Marty and the women thing) but yeah. The little reference about enough time having passed was sort of my way of trying to put that subject under a more delicate light.
The Chiefs have to make a move at GM and Marty would be a stroke of genius. Great football man. Knows the division. Knows how to put a team together. Would love a piece at AJ in San Diego. Would restore some credibility. I’m not high on what Herm has done but who could win with this talent?
Personnel moves. Bring in at least two QB’s. I like Losman an UFA. John Beck in a trade is interesting. Or Derk Anderson whom I think will be available. Plus draft someone (not too high) to develop. Come away from free agency with at least one o-line starter. I like the SC LB in the first maybe a WR in the second then some O-line. Move Pollard to LB.
Lots of food for thought there DD. I really like your free agent list (esp. Snee, Vilma, and Williams or Evans). Hope that someone with some pull in the organization is checking this out also.
I could live with Marty as the gm. He likes the killer D and conservative offense much like Herm, but seemed to do a much better job at it. After last year and so far this year we clearly need to do something of the Chiefs fan base is going to start to dwindle.
I have no idea what to think right now. Most Chiefs fans have been jumping all over any name that emerges: Cowher, Marty, Quinn, Pennington … yes, we Chiefs fans are in need of whoever gets us victories. I can’t imagine Chiefs Kingdom wanting Marty back, are you kidding me? Ever since he left, he’s been the punchline … and now everyone wants him back? I’m willing to ride out this year and see IF our team improves. I was on-board with Herm at first, and last year I cursed Mike Solari to death. Now, after the first 3 games, I almost believe Herm is the weak link. However, Herm said something pretty good last Tuesday. If he changed course right now and didn’t stick to his youth movement, the young guys, what would that say? It would say that he (The Chiefs) have given up, and it would be a black mark on his character. I will give Herm this year to see how this team “improves” if they do. I have no idea who could turn this franchise around … but it’s sure not easy seeing us get crushed each week.
Whir,
This team will improve, I have little doubt about that, but the team also needs to have a viable offense which we do not. Right now we are sorely lacking at the quarterback position with no relief in sight. We have some good offensive components, DBowe, Tony G, Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles, and even Kirby Smith. What appears to be lacking, besides a quarterback, is anyone to coach the offense into a highly workable machine. I thin Chan Gailey could, if Herm would shut up and leave him alone, but I don’t think that will happen until a point at which the season will be nothing short of a disaster. Of course, a disaster will result in a high first round pick, but it still irks me to see our team so mismanaged.
You Know I have to admit I lost all respect for your post once I read that you wanted Herm Edwards to remain coach of this team..Are you out of your mind? I’m not kidding..You are not smart..Have you considered how shitty the play calling has been since he has been here? Our defense has been mediocre at best (in the past with herm) our offense was mediocre his first year, and has been abs. terrible the last two years..We’re suffering a 12 games losing steak, have started each year 0-2, do not have home field advantage anymore, coached a horrendous game plan against Indianapolis in the playoffs 2006 and your talking about bringing this clown back? I’d rather keep Carl than Herm..Carl isn’t coaching on the side lines..Carl didn’t call a shit load of running plays on sunday when we have 5 minutes left down by 17 points..
Get real man..Seriously..Herm had a good draft, can evaluate talent decently well(if he was that good of an evaluator we wouldn’t have lost these last 12 games), and has a good connection with players..He’s a terrible coach and his philosophy on offense makes nooooo sense..Hell he’s a defensive coach and we suck on defense..
Here’s a trivia question : How many seasons has Herm been 4-12 or worse counting this year? Three times..That’s terrible..And you are an absolute idiot for writing on this blog that Herm should be brought back..You can tell me this and that but I just presented the facts and the facts don’t lie!
First of all, according to some of his own closest friends Marty is never fit to be a GM. He doesn’t have the scouting and eye for talent. This is all in the book “The GM.”
HOWEVER, I think it is actually a possibility that this would happen. BUT, all of you have to remember that if Marty is brought in there is about a 95% chance Cowher comes with him. Honestly THAT is the perfect scenario: both coach and GM coming BACK to KC, both have led VERY successful teams, both love physical teams and have the same philosophy for football teams.
NO CHANCE HERM STAYS ON WITH MARTY…none…
it would be similar to the Parcells deal…
and i do realize how goofy I sound saying he shouldnt be a gm and then saying I would like it…
The personnel decisions on this team and the apparent rebuilding have just been terrible the past 2-3 years..Brodie Croyle is a 2nd string quarterback..He really hasn’t proven that he deserves that spot yet, however I think he has the potential to be a good second string quarterback..Tyler Thigpen should never have been put into the game..People can talk about how he completed a pass, but really can anyone deny how bad he looked out there? He looked terrible, and he seriously could have throw 2-3 more pics on sunday because every pass was thrown into triple coverage.
Casey Printers would have been much better. He has a better arm and has more mobility..The fact is people like to talk about how Herm is such a great evaluator but I don’t even believe that..How can you be a great evaluator of talent when this will be his 3rd 4-12 season in 8 or so years of coaching…The Chiefs have lost respect around the league and I will point my finger towards Herman Edwards..I only fault Carl for hiring the Coach..In retrospect what we’re we doing hiring a coach that had close to a .500 record and was coming off a 4-12 season..Is that really a step in a positive direction?
Herm has always been terrible at preparing his teams for the beginning of the year..He just isn’t the coach I want for this team..Carl will be gone anyways before you know it, because he’s admitted him self that he won’t pursue a contract extension..This is it..I’m just hoping he’ll do me one favor before he retires and right his wrong of hiring Herm..If you think Herm is the coach for the job, your not looking at the facts..We’ve been to the playoffs under Herm, and it was one of the most inept coaches games I have ever watched..Ironically, we we’re way underprepared for that game as well..Funny huh? Oh and he can take the special teams coach with him as well..We’ve been terrible on special teams for the last two seasons..
I think Cowher really makes a tremendous amount of sense. I have to disagree with you on him Double D. He basically won the Super Bowl despite Big Ben. Look at his stats, he was not the deciding factor. I’m starting to think that players are beginning to quit on Herm. A lot of underacheivers this year. Bringing in Cowher would really energize the team. I still think your smart though.
Very interesting comments on NFL RADIO today from Marty, he really likes and rspects Carl P, thats scary as hell. How about Tony G’s comments about leaving?
Gunther get the ax after how long and he had a better record than Herm I think, why do we hang on to Herm so long with no end in sight?
I actually have a lot of respect for Carl Peterson..Why are all of us always blaming Carl Peterson instead of the coaches? Herm has been the worst hire since Peterson has been here obviously..Gunther had two very mediocre seasons.
Pat Kirwin for GM (if you listen to sirius satellite radio, you’ll know what where I’m comin’ from). Kirwin and Kuharich would be a personnel dream team.
As for your want/watch list, we’re more than $39 million under the cap. So we could, and should, be players in the free agent market. However, I suspect the Chiefs front office will pocket most/all of it to offset their contribution to the stadium renovation.
sandya,
I not ready to hold Herm accountable for the lack of production on offense – at least not yet – for a couple of reasons. Number one, our OL, especially the right side, is still a work in progress. Number two, the team is still in the process of learning a whole new playbook under Gailey and (I think) for the time being at least, that Gailey is leaning heavily on the KISS principle on that approach until this unit demonstrates it is ready to take on more complicated plays. Point being, it takes a while to develop a new offensive system and especially so when your lineman are executing poorly even on the basic stuff.
As far as the knock on CP goes, he has always made a huge point of drawing attention to one thing and one thing only during his tenure as the measure of his success – ticket sales. If that’s his standard then it needs to be the measure of his failure. You can’t have it both ways.
Ignoring the financial side, this team did not disintegrate overnight under Herman Edwards. What we are currently witnessing is the result of years of neglect by ownership that was, yet again, too loyal to its President/GM.
Last point, it took Cowher 14 years to win a Superbowl. If the Chiefs brought in Cowher, are you telling me that you’re willing to wait that long again believing that he might someday win another? If not, how many years would you give him? If your answer is anything more than 3, then why not afford Edwards the same opportunity?
I agree thoroughly.
The reason Herm Edwards should not be afforded any further opportunities at all is because he is one of the losingest (if not THE losingest) coach Kansas City has ever had. Loss, number 12 in a row. No offense, no hope for any offense!! I think the KISS principle applies more to the head coach than to the team.
Based on season-to-season records it’s kind of hard to make the case that Herm is the losingest coach in Chiefs history. 1 playoff appearance in 2 full seasons does not constitute a bad coach by any definition. Perhaps you’re too young to remember but we had a stretch of coaches that allowed us to go 15 years without a playoff appearance. We’re only 3 games in this season and while I’m pessimistic about our chances this year, I’m not about to write this season off until all games have been played.
Gunther Cunningham went 16-16 in his only 2 seasons as HC and no playoff appearances. Dick Vermeil went 14-18 in his first 2 years here and no playoff appearances and did . Herman Edwards went 13-19 in his first 2 years with 1 playoff appearance.
My take on each?
1. Gunther was in over his head.
2. Even though Vermeil eventually starting winning via offense and FA, he did so by ransoming the team’s future.
3. After spending his first two years picking up the pieces of the mess that Vermeil left, Edwards is finally experiencing his first year as coach of a team that heretofore was in desperate need of rebuilding.
Outside of Hank Stram, Marty Schottenheimer is the only Chiefs coach that I would consider successful in terms of fielding competitive teams year-in and year-out. And he did so for over a decade.
Double D – I’m actually not huge on bringing in Cowher but I do think he would be an immediate improvement. Honestly, the Superbowl doesn’t matter a whole lot to at this point..I just want to go to the playoffs and win a damn game..And I know we’d all like to see that..Sure, Vermeil and Gunthers team didn’t make the playoffs their first two seasons, but neither of those teams looked as inept as the chiefs have for the last 12 games..I just don’t think Herm is a good coach..I believe he cares more about time of posession then he does about actually scoring the ball.I believe he’d rather score 21 points rather than scoring 31 points..I think he is a loony basically..
He has had a long past with bad clock management, and last weeks game showed it : constant running plays with 5 minutes trickling off the clock down by 17 freakin points..I think he is an incompetent coach. What about when we made the playoffs against Indy? We we’re not prepared at all, we didn’t even get a first down that whole first half..I think you have too much faith in this guy honestly..It isn’t as if he did a whole lot with the jets..He won two playoffs games..Woww and managed to have a .500 record..This will be his third 4-12 season in a 8 year career..These are all very good reasons as to why I don’t like this guy as a coach..And I blame Carl for hiring this guy..And the whole Tyler Thigpen ordeal and Brodie Croyle ordeal is ridiculous because we all know Huard is the best qb on this team at this very instance..Huard has actually won games..In fact, he’s over .500…Why are we always hating on this guy? He’s the best we got..I think we should bring Brodie back when he gets back but he’s a second stringer at best, and so far he’s acted like a third stringer…Tyler Thigpen should be a qb in the arena league, and I mean that. He played very poorly..The stats just don’t lie..What happened to casey printers? He could actually have possibly won us a game? I honestly don’t even feel Herm is that good of an evaluator but that skill far over powers his ability to coach
Herm Edwards only playoff appearance was with leftover Vermeil players. The Chiefs barely backed into the playoffs that year and the offense which had been one of the best in league under Vermeil dropped off dramatically. Herm uses Vermeil’s years as an excuse, but the simple fact of the matter is Herm went to the playoffs once, with a team that was composed largely of Vermeil’s players. Yeah it would have been great if we could have had some defense to go with the offense under Vermeil but under Herm, we not only have no offense at all, but our defense is in decline, as well. Although I am hoping for some improvement in the team as the year progresses, I don’t think the offense is likely to get much better. The offense has no quarterback, no one to coach them, and no innovation. Talk about a recipe for losing. Herm is in over his head much more so than Gunther ever was. When the smoke all clears, Herm Edwards name will be the single most reviled name in Chiefs history.
Was it Herm’s fault that Willie Roaf retired right before training camp without an adequate replacement available? Was it Herm’s fault that Al Saunders departed before he arrived?
No, it was not Herm’s fault that they departed. A good coach can deal with adversity and build on the foundation he has been given. It wouldn’t have mattered if Chan Gailey or Mike Solari had replaced Al Saunders. The offense is the same with both even though it is technically not the “same” offense. Why do you suppose that is? Perhaps because Herm’s “philosophy” gets in the way. Willie Roaf’s departure left a gap, it is true, but the head coach needs to find a way to surmount those adversities. Not building on what he had and replacing the people who were leaving is no one’s fault but Herm’s. And by the way Double D, I respect your opinion and the right to have it, we are both passionate about the Chiefs. It is just that we don’t see eye to eye on how to accomplish things.
By the way, Herm Edwards is the third losingest coach over the first two years out of all the Chiefs head coaches. Frank Gansz is at the top of the heap for most losses over his first two years with 22. He is followed closely by Marv Levy with 21 losses over his first two seasons. However, Herm is on pace to be (by far) the losingest coach in Chiefs history at the end of his third season when the first three seasons of all coaches are considered. Herm had 19 losses over his first two seasons.
Not sure what any of that really proves. Marv Levy’s record with the Chiefs didn’t keep him from consistently making the playoffs along with 4 consecutive Superbowl appearances after going to Buffalo. Bill Cowher lost 26 games over a 3 year span before winning a Superbowl.
With respect to Levy it might actually prove one thing – that the Chiefs front office, presumbably under pressure by disgruntled fans and media, lacks the necessary patience and commitment to allow its coaches a reasonable opportunity to build and develop a team before expecting it to succeed. I dare say we may once again be the midst of an all too familiar pattern?
I will admit that the Chiefs probably dropped the hammer (no pun intended) on Marv Levy before his time. In general Lamar Hunt was probably too loyal to coaches rather than not loyal enough.
And just so no one uses this time to suggest the Hammer is getting soft, I would just like to take this opportunity to express my feeling that Herm sucks great big donkey appendages.
Hammer, while that’s true, let’s get the full story out there.. Herm not only sucks on great big donkey appendages, but he also doesn’t descriminate. That’s right, he sucks the little donkey appendages too.
I’ve sat by the side, and watched as people argued about Herm, because a coach is different than arguing over a player, or a coordinator, more things have to be taken into consideration. I’ve only bashed on Herm once, and I said he should be a talent scout/secretary. But to add to that, I’d also like him to become Cowher’s bitch, should Billy C. want to come back to KC.
All the pro-Herm guys conveniently point out the fact that Herm had to clean up Vermiel’s ‘trash’ when he got here.. They also conveniently, in the same sentence, no less, more often than not.. That Herm made the playoffs his first year here. Well… which is it fellas? Did he make the playoffs due to Vermiel’s ‘trash’, or is he that good of a coach? And if he’s that good of a coach, how come our record, thus far, in the two years since he’s had ‘Vermiel’s trash’ is 4-15.
If he starts off 0-2 every year.. That’s a sign. Now I can live with that, as long as the teams are competitive the rest of the year. Taking out even 4 games (for the two 0-2 starts) he’s 4-11. That’s NOT COMPETITIVE. Sure, he can find the talent. Ok, MAYBE he can develop it (so far it looks like that’s not the case, here.) But for God’s sake, we need someone else as HC. Make Herm the defensive backs coach/talent evaluator/player scout. Make him a secretary. Make him a janitor. Make him Bill Cowher’s bitch. Make him anything but Head Coach, or coordinator.
xxxlp,
I’m with you, man.